Rudraksha Yoga wishes everybody around the world very happy Navarathri and Vijayadashami festivals!

About Navarathri

Navarathri(a.k.a Dasara) starts on the first day of bright lunar fortnight of Ashvina month on the Hindu calendar. This year, it starts from today, i.e. 25th September 2014. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the 10th day after nine days of Navarathri, i.e. on 3rd October 2014.

The word Nava-rathri means nine-nights. Traditionally, on each night of Navarathri, a specific form of Great Goddess Shridevi Durga is worshiped. According to the Scripture Markandeya Purana, the nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri, in that order.

When the entire world was terrorized by a notorious daemon called Mahishasura(Buffalo-headed daemon), the Gods prayed the Greatest Goddess Shridevi for help. Their devoted prayers were finally answered. Suddenly, a brilliant flame appeared. The Supreme Mother Durga emerged from that flame.

Gods asked her who she was. She announced “Gods, don’t be scared! I am Durga(meaning inaccessible and invincible). I am none other than Adishakti Parvati, the Primordial power and the consort of Lord Shiva. I have come in this form to fight Mahishasura.”

The Gods became very happy. They donated their weapons to her: Indra gave his Vajrayudha(thunderbolt), Lord Vishnu gave Sudarshana Chakra(wheel), Lord Shiva gave his Trishula(Trident) and so on.

After nine days of fierce battle, the Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura finally. Entire world was jubilant and happy! This day on which Shridevi slayed the daemon Mahishasura is celebrated even in this era as Vijayadashami(Literally,10th Day of victory). This auspicious day comes after Navarathri festival.

On this very auspicious occasion of Navarathri, let us all pray the Divine Mother and the Greatest Goddess Shridevi Durga with full devotion and complete surrender for her compassionate and kind Grace on us.